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by thesaffrongael

Tir na nÓg get their first home win in 15 months to avoid the drop

Senior Football Championship – Relegation semi-final

Tir na nÓg 2-27 Aldergrove 2-09

Tir na nÓg took a big step in securing their place in Division 1 and in next season’s Senior Football Championship when they beat Aldergrove in round one of the relegation play-offs at Whitehill on Saturday. The Randalstown men were on top throughout and led by nine points at the break. (1-08 to 0-02) 

They pushed on after the break and had the gap out to 2-14 to 0-04 by the 50th minute and even though the Crumlin men finished very strongly, with two goal and five points in the last ten minutes it was not enough to reel their opponents in as they scored their first home win in football for fifteen months.

The first half was mostly one way traffic as Tir na nÓg dominated. They were 0-04 to 0-01 up at the end of a low scoring opening quarter, Emmet Murray and Manus Smith hitting singles while Barry McCormick had a 2pointer in the sixth minute. Sean McCarry pulled a point back for Aldergrove but Eamon Og McAllister and Sean Duffin added points apiece for the home side, while corner forward Murray grabbed a goal on twenty minutes. Ronan Hanna got his teams second point in the 26th minute but Sean Duffin and Manus Smith came back with points for home side to put them 1-08 to 0-02 clear at the interval.

There were promising signs at the start of the second half when Fearghal Burke and Seamus McGarry cut the gap back to seven within three minutes of the restart but Tir na nÓg hit back with a vengeance and a points from Sean Duffin and three in a row from Aaron McNeilly stretched the lead to eleven. Things got even worse for the visitors when Oliver McAtamney got Tir na nÓg’s second goal and Sean Duffin followed on a minute later with a 2pointer.

Just when it looked like it was all over Aldergrove sprung to life with two 2pointers and a goal. The gap was still comfortable for the Randalstown men when Aaron McNeill and Oliver McAtamney pointed, but even though the visitors got a goal through full forward Ronan Hanna and a Brian McQuillan point it was too late to make and impact on the result and Aldergrove must beat All Saints Ballymena next time out to avoid the drop.  

by thesaffrongael

Second half football feast in north Belfast derby

Brian McKee reports from Fennell Park

JFC Quarter-Final

Ciceam Ard Eoin 1-13 Na Piarsaigh 1-15

The first-half fare in the North Belfast Derby at Fennell Park between Na Piarsaigh and Ciceam Ard Eoin was a dull and mistake ridden disappointment. Both sides failed to convince supporters that braving the threatening weather was a better choice than watching Eastenders.  Na Piarsaigh wouldn’t have worried too much about the complaints though, as they were very much in control in the opening half.

As the dark clouds floated across from the direction of the Cave Hill the men in black and white failed to get any rhythm into their game and it was clear from early in this game that they were struggling to match Na Piarsaigh.

Na Piarsiagh had moved into a three point lead before Cormac Mullan got his first point of the night. Liam Deegan though was very much in form, from both play and his free kicking, and it looked from early on that he was going to be the key figure in the Na Piarsaigh side.

Ciceam Ard Eoin saw a glimmer of hope to get back into this game disappear as a penalty opportunity failed to find the net, although Mullan redeemed himself a few minutes later with a glorious point from outfield.

The lack of discipline from Ciceam Ard Eoin was punished on the scoreboard by the men in green and gold, with Deegan proving ruthless from frees. Despite the poor fare, Na Piarsaigh entered the dressing rooms at half-time on double scores over Ardoyne, while the Kickhams were left with a lot to ponder.

Half-Time: Ciceam Ard Eoin 0-3 Na Piarsaigh 0-8

The second half began with Na Piarsaigh again taking advantage of the lack of organisation in the Ardoyne defence as Deegan planted the ball in the back of the net from a 30 metre free.

Ten minutes into the half Na Piarsaigh had stretched their lead to six points and supporters of Ciceam Ard Eoin must have feared that a complete collapse was on the way.

The Cavehill had disappeared from view in the descending darkness when Cormac Mullan stepped up for Ardoyne and slotted over a two pointer from play, a score that saw this game spark into life. The football and commitment on display for the remainder of this game was a credit to the skill and spirit of both sides.

James Og McAuley found his way into this game and he produced a display of football that would have graced the grass of any pitch in the County. He pointed twice in quick succession and his determination and energy sparked a revival in the Ardoyne side.

Six unanswered points followed, and with just under 10 minutes to go Ardoyne had drawn level with Na Piarsaigh. When Cormac Barnes slotted home an opportunistic goal with great skill, it looked like a resurgent Ardoyne were on their way to turning Na Piarsaigh over

It was then that Player of the Match Deegan stepped up to the plate and fired over a two pointer for Na Piarsaigh, and over the remaining ten minutes these local rivals were like Championship boxers exchanging blows. It was very much toe to toe until Deegan once again slotted over a two pointer from play that eased Na Piarsaigh into a one point lead.

Ciceam Ard Eoin continued to pressurise the Na Piarsaigh defence but with the scent of victory over their close rivals, Na Piarsaigh held strong. Sean Moreland raised the final white flag of the game that finished with a two point win for Na Piarsaigh and their place in the semi-final secured. If there is a more exciting second half in any game in this year’s Football Championships then just hope you are there to see it.

Final Score: Ciceam Ard Eoin 1-13 Na Piarsaigh 1-15

Ciceam Ard Eoin: 1 Tiarnan Hughes 2 Cormac Curran 3 Micheál McGreevy 4 Aran Stewart 5 Joe Gibson (0-1) 6 Pearse Marley 7 Finna Wall O’Brien 9 Gary McKernan (0-1) 11 Kealan McCallan 12 Cormac Mullan (0-8, 3f )13 Fiontain Campbell 26 Eoghan Corrigan 22 Padraig McGreevy  25 Odhran McKee 15 Ciaran McNeill(0-1) 19 Cormac Barnes (1-0) 20 Fiontain Lagan 21 Paul Baker 22 Joseph McNeill 27 Conor Magee 28 Paul Baker 29 James Og McAuley (0-2)

Na Piarsaigh 1 Eamonn McKenna 2 Darren O’Neill 3 Cormac O’Neill 4 Vincent Lismore 5 Luca Giannetto 6 Aidan Bannon (0-1) 7 Cormac Gillespie 8 Thomas Mc Farlane 9 James Smyth 10 Fion Grew (0-1)12 Philip Murray, 14 Liam Deegan (1-11) 15 Sean Moreland (0-1) 17 Ciaran McKavanagh 19 Tomás Austin 22 Piaras Donaghy (0-1) 24 Aodhan McCavanagh 23 Ronan Sharkey 25 Aogán Nugent

Referee Chris Brown

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by thesaffrongael

Robbie Elliott RIP

The hurling community of Ballycastle, Antrim and further afield were greatly saddened to learn of the passing of one of Ballycastle’s finest sons, Robbie Elliott. The term legend gets handed out to easily in sport these days, but Robbie Elliott carried that title with great humility.  Robbie served his beloved club with great distinction and experienced senior county championship success in four different decades. Having won the first of his seven county championship titles in 1948, Robbie’s final county success came over 27 years later, when at the age of 44 he lined out at full forward in the county final win against Sarsfields. In between these title wins he had picked up winner’s medals in 1950, 52,53 & 54.  As one of five brothers, he played alongside Jim, Brendan, Raymond and Dessie in these victorious teams. His only sister, Ann, married Brian McShane, who’s brothers Paddy, Seamus and Sean all played alongside Robbie in the 1964 final against Loughgiel.  Aside from winning championships with the club, he also had the honour of representing his county and country, playing at full forward for Ireland against the Combined Universities in 1954 and winning the All-Ireland Junior title with Antrim in 1959.  Robbie’s passion for his club, and for hurling in general, didn’t end when he hung up his boots.  He spent many years as a manager, coach and committee member over the next few years and was honoured to be elected as club president in 2016. He loved nothing more than coming along to Pairc Mac Uilin to watch the black and amber playing whether it was underage Go Games, senior hurling or camogie.  As recently as last Saturday he watched on as our senior team booked their quarter final place with a win against St.Enda’s.   And no season would have been complete without Robbie attending the club dinner dance and regaling everyone with a few tunes.  Grace will never be sung so well again!

Robbie with Kilkenny legend Brian Coady at a recent club dinner in the Marine Hotel
Robbie and his brother Dessie with Carey legend Jimmy McVeigh at a match in Armoy

Whilst Robbie will be remembered by so many for his association with hurling and the GAA, he was, first and foremost, a great family man.  Married to Jean for an amazing 77 years he was at his happiest when surrounded by his two daughters, Doreen and Kathleen, his 5 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.  Our sincerest condolences go out to all of his extended family.

Robbie will be sadly missed by everyone who was lucky enough to have known him.  He loved the black and amber.  I just hope he knew that we all loved him too.

Rest in Peace Robbie – The Legend.

Go raibh suaimhneas síoraí air
by thesaffrongael

CPC retain the Shane Mulholland trophy

Year 9 Hurling at St Louis Ballymena

The Shane Mulholland Hurling Tournament took place today at St. Louis, with schools from across Ulster competing in memory of Shane. The event once again produced a superb day of hurling, filled with passion, commitment, and high-quality play.

From the very first throw-in, both pitches saw hotly contested battles, with no team giving an inch. The group stages set the tone for the day, as players displayed determination, skill, and great sportsmanship.

As the competition reached the knockout stages, the intensity rose further. St. Louis and St. Patrick’s Maghera played out one of the games of the day in their semi-final. After a thrilling contest, it took extra-time for St. Louis to eventually edge their way into the final. In the other semi-final, Cross and Passion produced a strong performance to defeat St. Killian’s in normal time, booking their place in the decider.

The final brought together Cross and Passion and St. Louis, and it proved a fitting climax to the tournament. Both teams served up moments of brilliance, but it was Cross and Passion who held their nerve and produced the decisive scores to be crowned winners of the Shane Mulholland Tournament.

A standout individual across the day was Conrad Bailey, who was deservedly named Player of the Tournament. He found the net several times during the competition and consistently led by example, inspiring his team with moments of brilliance.

The 2025 Shane Mulholland Tournament was a celebration of Ulster schools hurling at its finest, honouring Shane’s memory and showcasing the outstanding talent emerging across the province. Congratulations to Cross and Passion on lifting the trophy, and well done to all schools who made the day such a success.

CPC

Ollie Mc Colville, Kevin Gillian, Conal McAuley, Caolon Keenan, Sean Johnston, Oisin O’Connel, Dan Boyle, Iarla Gillian, Danny McMullan, Noah McAuley, Ruairi McQullian, Joe Richmond, Conrad Bailey, Jake Feltham, Ronan Smith.


ST LOUIS
Mark Kirby, Conor Delargy, Luke Bradley, Luca McCamphill, Lir Hamill, Cayden McGuckian, Conlaodh Clarke, Thomas Matthews, Odhran Cassidy, Joseph McMullan, Ronan Laverty, Kiran Jayaprakash, Luca McCollum, Conan McKeever, Oscar Bradley

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by thesaffrongael

Eire Og edge out O’Ds in nervy quarter final clash 

Graham Tarmac Antrim Junior Football Championship, Quarter Final 

Eire Og 0-12-0-10 O’Donnell’s 

Kevin Herron reports from Woodlands 

Pics by Bert Trowlen

Eire Og saw off the challenge of West Belfast rivals O’Donnells and advanced to the semi-final of the Graham Tarmac Antrim Junior Football Championship with a 0-12-0-10 at Woodlands on Friday evening. 

The hosts had two scores on the board within the first two minutes, Lorcan McIlroy converted a free within the opening minute after he was bottled up in his attempt to land a score from play, then after a combination involving all the full forward line Kevin Clarke kicked a point. 

It took almost 10-minutes for O’Donnell’s to reply, but it was a levelling score. Ciaran McKissock kept an Eire Og kick out in play and switched the ball to Darragh Walsh, he in turn popped the ball to Cailean Walsh to swing over from the edge of the arc. 

Midway through the first half McIlroy doubled his account for the evening from play and Stephen Erskine then dropped over a further score to restore their sides two-point lead. 

Scores were traded between Conor Walsh and Conor McKenna- though O’Donnell’s restored parity for the second time as Darragh Walsh flashed a shot over and then McKissock picked out Fionnbar McKernan to pop over on the turn and make it 0-5 apiece. 

Eire Og would hold a slender lead at the interval through a converted McIlroy free, but in dying embers of the half O’Donnell’s were reduced to 14-men when Cailean Walsh was red carded for an off the ball incident and the Whiterock men would have to try their best to readjust things at the break. 

Despite being a man light, O’Ds levelled things up for the third time early in the second half with Fionnbar McKernan converting a close range free. 

It was from the same scenario that Eire Og nudged themselves back in front, Conor McKenna sent an angled free between the posts, Connall Smyth shot over 60-seconds later to double their advantage and McKenna kicked a further free to move their side 0-9-0-6 ahead. 

Stephen Seawright looked to have eaten into the three-point deficit when his two-pointed effort was sailing over, though Jamie King got a hand to it and to half the score’s worth. 

Substitute Padraig McKissock narrowed the margins further with a straight forward converted free midway through the second half. 

The hosts looked to have kicked on in the aftermath when substitute Dermot Burns sent an angled shot over with almost his first involvement. 

Talisman Lorcan McIlroy then added a further score to his personal tally following a long passing sequence until the opportunity presented itself and it did come through Conor McKenna’s pierced pass into his path. 

McIlroy looked to have added an insurance point a minute shy of the hour mark, but O’Donnell’s didn’t go away quietly and two minutes into added time Padraig McKissock halved arrears with a two-pointed free. 

There was enough time for O’Ds to claim a further two-pointer that would have forced extra time, but Eire Og saw the game out to advance to the last four and a meeting with Division 3 champions St Agnes’. 

EIRE OG: J King, C Rice, E Sheehy, J Devlin, R Donnelly, C McKenna (0-3, 0-2f), K McKenna, P McNelis, C Erskine, G Donnelly, M Graham, S Erskine (0-1), C Smyth (0-1), K Clarke (0-1), L McIlroy (0-5, 0-2f). SUBS: D Burns (0-1) for S Erskine (45), B O’Malley for C McKenna (60), J Connell for G Donnelly (60+3). 

O’DONNELLS: C Murphy, M Sloan, S Smiley, J McKenna, K Kennedy, S Seawright (0-1), G McKernan, C Carville, J Wilson, P Rice, D Walsh (0-1), C McKissock, Cailean Walsh (1×0-2pt), Conor Walsh (0-1), F McKenna (0-2, 0-1f). SUBS: P Moore for D Walsh (37), P McKissock (0-3, 1f, 1×0-2ptf) for P Rice (41), Connor Walsh for Conor Walsh (50), J Rafferty for C Carville (58). 

REFEREE: Martin Quinn (NAOMH ÉANNA)

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